Graduate Theological Foundation Exploring Affiliation With Egypt’s Al-Azhar University

Graduate Theological Foundation is currently exploring a scholarly affiliation with Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, the first time the university has contemplated an official relationship with an American educational institution.

Mishawaka, Indiana (I-Newswire) February 12, 2013 - The Graduate Theological Foundation is currently exploring a new scholarly affiliation with Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, the first time the university has contemplated an official relationship with an American educational institution.

Al-Azhar President Osama Mohamed Elabd and two other university officials recently traveled to the U.S. to discuss an affiliation with GTF representatives, which would include allowing Graduate Theological Foundation students to study in Cairo and earn credits toward their graduate degree. The meeting was arranged with the generous assistance of Graduate Theological Foundation Director of Islamic Studies Dr. Omar Shahin and faculty member Shaykh Dr. Mohamed Moussa, who is an Al-Azhar graduate.

Founded more than 1,000 years ago, Al-Azhar is one of the oldest universities in the world. It is widely considered the global seat for Islamic learning and Arabic literature today. Throughout the Muslim world, it is seen as a respected and recognized center for promoting centrist Islamic thought that eschews extremism, or what President Osama Mohamed Elabd calls “the Middle Path.”

The details of the affiliation are currently being discussed. More information will be available within the next few weeks.

About the Graduate Theological Foundation:

Since its founding in 1962, the Graduate Theological Foundation has become recognized the world over as a premier non-profit educational institution for ministry professionals and as a leader in ecumenical and interreligious education that encourages pluralism, fosters dialogue and supports academic excellence. We engage in scholarly research, academic publishing, awarding of professional and academic degrees across a range of disciplines, and awarding of fellowships and grants.